Credit Salalizone
By Marilia Macedo
The keepers Bardsley and Murphy made an excellent match and kept the game tied.
OL Reign and North Carolina Courage played out a 0-0 draw at Cheney Stadium in the first game of the regular season. Both teams made a balanced match and the keepers made great saves to avoid the goals.
In the first half, NCC created the first opportunities at the beginning with good set-pieces – Abby Erceg hit the crossbar with a header after a corner kick.
The home team had chances with Jess Fishlock – she took a free-kick and the ball went over the bar. She also attempted a dangerous shot and it was saved by Casey Murphy.
The Reign’s defensive system was solid most of the time with Lauren Barnes – the Woman of the Match – giving no space for the Brazilian forward Debinha, the Most Valuable Player of the NWSL Challenge Cup 2021.
At the end of the first half, after a corner kick, Solaun tried to surprise the home team defenders, but Karen Bardsley was completely alert and did not allow her to open the score.
The teams came back for the second half trying to get the three points. However, they found it difficult. RGN’s Pruitt and Fishlock both tried to score, but they missed the opportunities. On the opposing side, Debinha and Solaun missed too.
In a great move, Megan Rapinoe – who came off the bench – received the ball from Balcer and brought it to the right foot – her shot kissed the near post, which was not enough to break the tie. Later on, she made another good move with Pruitt and Balcer, who was stopped by Murphy.
One of the best chances came with Fishlock – after a fast break, her shot went narrowly wide of NCC’s post.
In the final minutes, Hamilton received into the box and tried with her right foot from a close range, but Bardsley kept it scoreless. With no time left, both teams got one point.
For the next game, OL Reign will play against Portland Thorns next Sunday, May 23, at 6 pm ET. North Carolina Courage will face Orlando Pride on Saturday, at 7 pm ET.